The 7-Minute Workout. Really?

Is this the workout of your dreams?  In your own home?  No gym required?

Perhaps.

 
The latest research from the American College of Sports Medicine's Health and Fitness Journal indicates all you need is a high intensity, seven-minute workout for fitness.  Again, we're not talking about professional athletes or people who need to look a certain way for their jobs.  This is about the average person.  The key is you have to WORK for those seven minutes.  Don't donkeyjack. 

The study is pretty intensive in its scientific jargon.  Sunday's New York Times Magazine does a good job putting the results in layman's terms.

'The Great Gatsby'-Inspired Edition of Good News Friday

From "The Great Gatsby" movie's release (and all the wonderful collaborations to go along with its release) to Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp literally giving a special fan the shirt off his back, it's been another outstanding week.

Read this story.  Tell me it doesn't impress you.  Kemp is a great guy.  This reaffirms it.

You also had some great news to share!

Gorgeous!

Janice Carter ‏@jsc20051:  My little niece went to her first recital!! 

Brian Ethridge: My wife's daughter Maddie Linyard, has just completed her first year at UNT! She is a Zeta, she has been working at WinStar hotel as a night admin and front desk person and maintained her lifestyle wonderfully! On top of it all she has a really good chance of making the deans list! 

 

Awesome! 

 

Photo: Warner Bros

"The Great Gatsby" opens today.  The reviews of Baz Lurhmann's interpretation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel are mixed.  Some good.  Some bad.  Some in the middle.  

I'm excited and anxious at the same time because I love the book so much.  My daughter's name, Jordan, was inspired by the novel's Jordan Baker.  Here's hoping the movie in some way lives up to its fabulous literary counterpart.  

Photos: Warner Bros

I'm thrilled to the see the clothes.  Costume designer, Catherine Martin, collaborated with designer Miucca Prada on the costumes and they are gloriously stunning. 

Deco Fan Bangle, Photo: Tiffany & Co

I'm also excited about the new collection from Tiffany & Co inspired by the movie.  While I won't be purchasing any of Tiffany's notoriously overpriced baubles, I do love to look.  (You HAVE to read this story about Tiffany's markup vs Costco's LACK of ridiculous markup, if you're jewelry-obsessed).

Photo: Tiffany & Co

 This breathtaking flower ring from the Great Gatsby Collection is set in platinum and features a 5.25-carat diamond in the center.  The price?  $875,000.

 

F. Scott Fitzgerald said about his main female character, Daisy Buchanan: "her voice is full of money." 

 

This is a ring worthy of that voice.

Check out last week's edition of Good News Friday that celebrated professional growth and a college-bound high school senior earning a full scholarship!

A Weight Loss Guide: It's About Calorie Intake, Right? Sorta

It's simple: burn more calories than you consume.  This is a tried and true formula, yes?

Yes, but.....

Many times those calorie estimates are inaccurate.  You could also miscalculate the serving size you consume (I only had one handful of M&M's, okay three).   Basically calories in vs calories out is akin to being good on paper but bad in bed.

courtesy: mass.gov

The Mayo Clinic has an OUTSTANDING website that tackles all sorts of health issues, including the calorie conundrum.  Read this excerpt from their Nutrition Wise blog in a post titled "Calories Reconsidered: Old Assumptions Questioned":

Good News Happens! Here's Proof

This was a great week, yet again, for a multitude of reasons.  From stories of athletic success, both collegiate and amateur, to a friend following his passion and one on her way to an outstanding career, you had an awesome week.

Here's proof: 

Shaunda Poster  

‏@ShaundaPoster I found out that I will be co-hosting the pregame show for the Dallas Cowboys all home games next season!!

Shaunda is still in school and started as an intern for the Cowboys television department.  She has proven herself time and again.  She's professional, engaging and willing to do whatever it takes.  That's a recipe for success.  SO happy for her.  She deserves it.

Tracy Kornet ‏  

@CBS11Tracy What a night: Luke commits to play for Vanderbilt AND my daughter chats with me on the phone for a good 30 minutes! #lifeisgood

Talk about a proud mom!  Tracy Kornet's son, Luke, committed to play basketball at Vanderbilt this week.  His father, Frank played there.  All THREE of Tracy and Frank's kids play college basketball. WOW!   Read her full account of Luke's journey here. 

Tim Rogers 

‏@timmytyper 

Here's why I will soon not be the editor of @DMagazine: http://d-m.ag/18dADyV  If you think you can do it better, then step up.

Mavs Game Night circa 2010

Tim is a legend for many reasons.  One of them being perhaps the most awkward on camera hug ever when he co-hosted a Mavericks postgame show with me one night.  Thrilled to see what's next for him. 

Doug Dunbar

‏@cbs11doug Hard work paying off. Found out this am I qualified for @usatriathlon National Championships in the Olympic distance :)

Go, Dougie! 

Enough on the friends front.  Here is your good news:

Charlie David Bolt

‏@circlelranch69  #GoodNewsFriday 1. Granddaughter weekend 2. PAYDAY

Sergio

‏@SergieFresh @favor_and_union has been donating proceeds to help those affected in Boston & West, TX. #goodnewsfriday

TOMCAT ‏

@Tweave00 I had a pimento cheese sandwich today #GoodNewsToday

Sandra Robertson

‏@sgcr99  the crappy month of April will be finally over #GoodNewsFriday

  

Let me share a few things.  I work with THESE guys: 

The Boss, the Reporter and the Babe

Exceptional! 

And finally, if you still don't believe good news happened this week, let me just make you laugh:

 

This is Lakehill Prom 1991.  I was a junior.  My date, Robbie Wiles, was a dashing senior.  Not sure if he goosed me or if I stuck my finger in an electric socket.  I'm just glad I don't have that hair (and more) anymore.  

See!  Good news happens. 

More Good News Happened This Week. Here's Proof.

Inspired by last week's outpouring of awesomeness, I have to share more of the wonderful things you experienced this week. 

From a marriage to weight loss to kicking cancer's ass, you had a great week.  

Mark Elfenbein ‏
 my son is getting married this weekend Gina!! OY VEY! And I'm going to Vefas to watch and cover Mayweather/Guerrero fight!

(YAY, Elf!)

Mark Jordan ‏
Justin Jordan I have a dream of becoming a police officer helping people but was to heavy. I had surgery and have lost 180!

Kristen ‏

I learned this past week that my college is paid for completely and I don't have to pay a dime!

Terri Head 
haven't seen you since our Cowboys days. Next week, I get my chemo port removed. Woot Woot! 

Tankpuncher ‏

I am taking a break from winning Xbox hockey to see a sonogram of my son with my pretty and smarter than me wife. #chea

My week was a good one for the following reasons:

• I had two questions answered by the great Guy Kawasaki during a chat for an online course I am taking. Very helpful!
• I had a blast broadcasting the NFL draft with Bill Jones and Steve Dennis. 
• I visited with friends on Thursday night and reconnected with a person from high school. 
• THIS is my daughter: 

The girl is funny.

Like the good vibes?  Share yours in the comments section.  Email me at thatsportsgirl@gmail.com or tweet me to be included in future editions.  Let's make Good News Friday happen!

Good News Happens. Here is Proof.

From the tragedy in Boston to the awful explosion in West, TX, it has been one story after another dominating the headlines, the conversation in the lines at Starbucks and more this week.

But in a week that wreaked havoc on our emotions, good things happened.  I asked you to share some good news and, friends, you didn't disappoint. 

Just read what an awesome week you had.  If the past few days taught us anything, it's that our time is precious.  Let's enjoy every minute of it.

Hope you smile at some of these wonderful photos, fabulous stories and brilliant musings from a four-year-old you shared with me on Twitter. 

I sure did.

Patrick Lopez: ‏ heard our babys heart beat and sonogram picture for the first time today!

‏Becky Crist:  I'm gonna be a grand mother for the first time! Yea!

Linda Dietz: Helped a client basically pro bono. My heart needed that this week.

Bill Holcomb‏ No picture, but my daughter, Michelle Blanton, is celebrating 2 years cancer free on Saturday!

Janice Carter I personally had a good week. My family and friends are safe and well, and I'm grateful!!

Shoes:‏ father/daughter dance tomorrow!! Pow

Jay Davis‏:  My four-year-old told me yesterday that chickens dont wear socks

A number of you shared the video of a cat playing with the vacuum.  It will have you peeing-in-your-pants laughing.

Another great tweet I received from a friend showed a picture of her at the Rangers home opener playing hooky from work with a friend.  To protect the privacy of all parties involved, I'm keeping that pic to myself.

Nathan McLain This photo of our dog, Otis, is always good for cheering me up.

 

Matt Craig ‏ Hawaiian day at my kid’s school.

Sean Stacey‏  First trip to Wrigley!

 

The fabulous  Emily Jones shared a picture of my daughter's future husband, her son Henry.  Arranged marriages are alive and well in DFW sports! 

Sarah Powers  Here's my little Ranger fan. She thinks today's loss was ruff.

Maffew. BABY

Daniel Nash‏   baby girls making their first brownie

M. Hob‏ Here's my girls having fun with their theatrical makeup class at quad c....does this count? Have a great day!

Darla Gardner and her dog, Joey, couldn't wait to watch the Rangers/Cubs game

Gilbert Padilla rocked a Star Wars convention

And, finally, this gem from TankPuncher:
We won 7 games in a row on NHL 13 on Xbox. Sorry that's about the best news I have for ya.

What To Do In Chicago

The Cubs.  The Rangers.  Wrigley Field.

Just typing those words makes me feel better.  In the wake of Monday's events in Boston, a sense of ceremony and the opportunity to take the mind off enormous tragedy is comforting. 

The thought of travel, sports and American traditions does that for me.  I hope this can be just a brief respite for you, as well.

The Rangers begin Interleague play Tuesday against the Cubs in Chicago.  It's their first visit to Wrigley Field since 2002.   Texas returns to play the White Sox in August 23-25th.

Chicago is one of the best cities in America of which I haven't experienced enough.  I spent a weekend there during the famed Chicago Air and Water Show.  What a sight to see planes flying over Lake Michigan with the beautiful downtown skyline as a backdrop.

Sofitel.com

My husband and I stayed at the gorgeous Hotel Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, located in the heart of the Gold Coast.  It was a great, stylish base for exploring the city on foot.  This French-owned chain always has deals on rooms.  Check its website, Travelzoo or any of your other favorite travel-related sites.

My friend, Bryan Dolgin, is a Chicago guy.  He was the White Sox radio pregame and postgame show host in 2005.  He later served the Rangers in the same capacity for three seasons.  He has some great tips if you're interested in visiting the Windy City this year for a baseball game or quick getaway.  I second his suggestion on Gibson's Steakhouse.  It's a classic.

Here are Bryan's suggestions: